Skip to content

Children should from the beginning be bred up in an…

“Children should from the beginning be bred up in an abhorrence of killing or tormenting any living creature; and be taught not to spoil or destroy any thing, unless it be for the preservation or advantage of some other that is nobler.” quote by John Locke
Download Open image
“Children should from the beginning be bred up in an abhorrence of killing or tormenting any living creature; and be taught not to spoil or destroy any thing, unless it be for the preservation or advantage of some other that is nobler.”

John Locke

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Advocates early moral education to foster compassion and protect life, allowing harm only for higher noble purposes.

In simple terms: Teach compassion early, harm only for greater good.

Key Takeaway

Instill respect for all life.

Themes

ethics education compassion nonviolence

Mood

thoughtful serious

Type

ethical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • parenting
  • school curricula
  • animal welfare policies
  • environmental conservation

Key Concepts

moral development animal rights humanism

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can societies define “noble” exceptions?
  • When is harming one justified for another?
A Different Perspective

Balancing compassion with necessary actions can be complex.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by John Locke

Explore all 355 John Locke quotes

More Abhorrence quotes

Browse all 69 Abhorrence quotes